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The article offers news briefs related to libraries in the U.S. Preliminary results of 2007 Public Library Funding and Technology Access Study states that although almost all of the libraries in the country are connected to the Internet and are increasingly offering wireless service, they still face problems in providing adequate bandwidth. Google Inc. continues to strike new agreements with libraries that wish to make their collections available for the Google Books Library Project.

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to show how Olin Library has maintained exceptional service to its users before, during and after a periodicals review resulting in deep subscription cuts. Design/methodology/approach - The paper takes the form of a review of activities at the Library during a time of financial restraints. Findings - Although Olin's cancellation project is not entirely completed, there is sufficient anecdotal evidence that the exceptional service has not deteriorated. At some point, soon after the cancellations are in place, a survey should be initiated to confirm this assumption about exceptional service. Practical implications - Several guidelines are presented and discussed that may be useful for other libraries faced with having to make tough periodicals decisions after being directed to cut budgets by their administrations. Originality/value - The paper provides guidelines that should greatly benefit librarians in facilitating a periodicals review and the resulting cuts during difficult economic times while still providing the service to which users are accustomed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - Given the common theme of budget cuts, one library presents its award-winning story to provide information to a small community, extended from other common community and state resources. Design/methodology/approach - Explores how this library won the award of being the "Best small library in America". For those not knowledgeable of the geography of the USA, this winner is found in the most unlikely of places, Alaska, one of only two states not connected to the other 48 states. Given the unique way of approaching library service, one can see how the award was won. Findings - Several methods for living in a world of reduced funds include, thinking out of the proverbial box and doing things different ways; partnerships with organizations and grant institutions; doing events and programs for specific groups and involving the entire community in the process. Originality/value - On being seen as an award-winning institution, members of the library world often ask, "How did they win and we didn't?" or "How can we replicate the success which that institution is having?" This paper takes those questions and gives the authors a clear picture of how to accomplish success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on various issues related to library finance in the U.S. The three libraries in Salinas, California were scheduled to close indefinitely for lack of revenue. The Salinas case is newsworthy because the voters of Salinas will decide if the reprieve is temporary or if there will be steady funding for the library. Although the outrage that followed the announcement of the closings has ensured an easy pass on the measure, it is apparently nothing to take for granted. Lynne Steele, president of the Friends of the Salinas Library, is surprised that there are people in the community who will need convincing that the libraries need a stronger revenue stream. Also, in Bedford, Texas, the library was able to reopen with a reduced schedule and program when an anonymous donor provided funding, which will be augmented with monies from fund-raising efforts by Friends of the Library and residents.